Resumo Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

Abstract Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Caves are ecosystems and natural heritage sites with magnificent biological diversity, from microorganisms to animals, despite their selective environment for development and survival. Until now, studies on cave microbiomes have included taxonomic classification through metagenomics analysis, demonstrating microbiological heterogeneity mainly composed of prokaryotic organisms or bacteria species. The generally oligotrophic environment, with limited energy input and dark zone, is the main feature differentiating the cave microorganisms from the other microbiomes and resulting in a unique habitat, which has unexplored regard to biology and chemical diversity. Multi-omics integration is a key strategy for scanning and integrating the macro and micromolecular universe, providing a better comprehension of processes and answers of the microbiome in natural cavities. Here, we highlight the strategies employed to study the cave microbiome, from the microbial genomes to their ability to secondary metabolites production, and also the multi-omics integration to explore the chemical and biological diversity in caves. animals survival now analysis species zone habitat Multiomics Multi omics universe cavities Here production multiomics multi caves

Abstract Objective To verify the performance of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a tool to assess parental satisfaction in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Methods The authors conducted an observational cross-sectional multicenter study in the PICUs of 5 hospitals in Brazil. Eligible participants were all parents or legal guardians of PICU-admitted children, aged 18 years or over. The NPS was administered together with the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care (EMPATHIC-30), used as the gold standard, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. For analysis, the results were dichotomized into values greater than or equal to the median of the tests. The associations between the 2 tools were evaluated and the distribution of their results was compared. Results The parents or legal guardians of 78 PICU-admitted children were interviewed. Of the respondents, 85% were women and 62% were in a private hospital. The median NPS was 10 (IQR, 10-10), and the median EMPATHIC-30 score was 5.7 (IQR, 5.4-5.9). Compared with the gold standard, the NPS had a sensitivity of 100% at all cutoff points, except at cutoff 10, where the sensitivity was slightly lower (97.5%). As for specificity, NPS performance was poorer, with values ranging from 0% (NPS ≥ 5) to 47.4% (NPS = 10). Conclusions NPS proved to be a sensitive tool to assess parental satisfaction, but with poor ability to identify dissatisfied users in the sample.

Abstract This study aimed to compare the availability of supplies and amalgam and composite resin restorations among Oral Health Teams (OHT) in Brazilian regions. Secondary data were extracted from Modules I and II of the 1st (2012) and V and VI of the 2nd (2014) and 3rd cycle (2017) of the external evaluation of the National Program for Access and Quality in Primary Care2. The proportions between regions and cycles were compared using the Chi-square test with the z-test adjusted by the Bonferroni method (p<0.05). Among 2012, 2014, and 2017 there was a significant reduction in the proportion of OHT that performed amalgam restorations (87.5%, 89.2%, and 80.2%; p<0.001) and an increase in resin composite (92.5 %, 97.7%, and 99.0%; p<0.001), with the same trend in Brazilian regions (p<0.001). Amalgamator availability decreased among 2012 (99.0%), 2014 (98.4%) and 2017 (85.6%) (p<0.001). Amalgam availability was lower in 2017 (80.1%), compared to 2012 (87.5%) and 2014 (97.5%) (p<0.001). The availability of light curing decreased between 2012 (99.0%), 2014 (98.4%) and 2017 (85.6%) (p<0.001), being less available in the North (95.7%) (p<0.001). The light-curing resin increased between 2012 (94.1%), 2014 (96.6%) and 2017 (97.0%) (p<0.001), with no increase only in the North (p=0.134). While there was a reduction in supplies and amalgam restoration, there was an increase in supplies and resin composite restorations in the period evaluated in all Brazilian regions. However, regional disparities are still evident, with fewer supplies of restorative services in the North region.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou comparar a disponibilidade de fornecimentos e restaurações de amálgama e resina composta entre as Equipas de Saúde Oral (OHT) por regiões brasileiras. Os dados secundários foram extraídos dos módulos I e II do 1º (2012) e V e VI do 2º (2014) e 3º ciclo (2017) da avaliação externa do Programa Nacional de Acesso e Qualidade em Cuidados Primários. As proporções entre regiões e ciclos foram comparadas utilizando o teste Qui-quadrado com o teste z ajustado pelo método de Bonferroni (p<0,05). Entre 2012, 2014, e 2017 houve uma redução significativa na proporção de OHT que realizou restaurações de amálgama (87,5%, 89,2%, e 80,2%; p<0,001) e um aumento na resina composta (92,5%, 97,7%, e 99,0%; p<0,001), com a mesma tendência nas regiões brasileiras (p<0,001). A disponibilidade de amalgamadores diminuiu entre 2012 (99,0%), 2014 (98,4%) e 2017 (85,6%) (p<0,001). A disponibilidade de amálgama foi menor em 2017 (80,1%), em comparação com 2012 (87,5%) e 2014 (97,5%) (p<0,001). A disponibilidade de polimerização por luz diminuiu entre 2012 (99,0%), 2014 (98,4%) e 2017 (85,6%) (p<0,001), estando menos disponível no Norte (95,7%) (p<0,001). A resina fotopolimerizadora aumentou entre 2012 (94,1%), 2014 (96,6%) e 2017 (97,0%) (p<0,001), sem aumento apenas no Norte (p=0,134). Embora tenha havido uma redução nos fornecimentos e restauração de amálgamas, houve um aumento nos fornecimentos e restaurações de resina composta no período avaliado em todas as regiões brasileiras. Contudo, as disparidades regionais são ainda evidentes, com menos oferta de serviços de restauração na região Norte.

Abstract The Paramirim Aulacogen was filled by the Espinhaço and São Francisco supergroups in the period from 1.75 to 0.69 Ga, and suffered partial inversion during the Ediacaran. In the northern sector of the intracontinental domain of the Araçuaí-WestCongo Orogen, six compressive deformational phases were interpreted and associated with the frontal inversion of the Paramirim Aulacogen. Three structural domains were identified: Jacaraci Fold-Thrust Belt, Caetité Nappe, and Transpressive Domain. The nucleation of deformational structures is related to a maximum stress field with general WSW-ENE orientation. The first deformational phase (D1), found in the Jacaraci Fold-Thrust Belt and the Transpressional Domain, is related to the evolution of the Rio Pardo Salient. A dextral transpressional system nucleated the Caetité Nappe. This system also juxtaposed amphibolite facies rocks over lower temperature facies, as well as Statherian over Tonian rocks. Furthermore, this system was responsible for deformation in the transpressional domains and late deformation in the Jacaraci Fold-Thrust Belt. The region presents a variety of structures and is, therefore, an excellent natural laboratory for studying positive inversion in aulacogens.

Aim To investigate surveillance, biosafety, and education strategies of Brazilian oral health care workers (OHCWs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods This was a cross-sectional study covering OHCWs from a single multicenter research centre. A self-administered and validated online questionnaire was used for data collection, including the following variables: sociodemographic, medical history, biosafety, professional experience, surveillance, and education. Results The sample consisted of 644 OHCWs (82.5% dentists, 13.2% dental assistants and 4.3% technicians), most without comorbidities (84.8%), from the public (51.7%) and private (48.3%) health systems, in 140 cities of a southern state. The most prominent measures of surveillance were waiting room distancing and visual alerts, symptom assessment, and availability of guidelines on COVID-19. Regarding biosafety measures, the lowest adherence was related to intraoral radiographs (2.7±1.4; 95%CI: 2.6–2.9), use of dental dams (2.1±1.4; 95%CI: 2.0–2.2), and availability of high-power suction systems (2.5±1.7; 95%CI: 2.3–2.6). Among OHCWs, 52.6% received guidance on measures to take during dental care in the workplace. Continuing education was mainly through documents from non-governmental health authorities (77.4%). Conclusion Surveillance and biosafety measures were adopted, but activities that reduce the spread of aerosols had less adherence. These findings underscore the importance of considering dental practices, and surveillance and education strategies to formulate policies and relevant support to address health system challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. A coordinated action of permanent education by policymakers is necessary.

Abstract Background Genetic polymorphisms have been shown to influence several physiological traits, including dental and craniofacial characteristics. Understanding the clinical relevance of genetic polymorphisms in dental practice is crucial to personalize treatment plans and improve treatment outcomes. Objective to evaluate the association between dental age and genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1 and ESR2, respectively) in a sample of Brazilian children. Methodology This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed with children undergoing orthodontic treatment. Patients with syndromes, congenital anomalies, craniofacial deformities, under hormonal or systemic treatment, and with a previous history of facial trauma were excluded. Panoramic radiographs were used to assess dental age according to the Demirjian, Goldstein, and Tanner method. A delta [dental age-chronological age (DA-CA)] was obtained, which shows whether the patient tends to have a normal, delayed (negative values), or advanced (positive values) dental age. DNA isolated from buccal cells was used to genotype four genetic polymorphisms: rs9340799 (A>G) and rs2234693 (C>T), located in ESR1; and rs1256049 (C>T) and rs4986938 (C>T), located in ESR2. A statistical analysis was performed and values of p<0.05 indicated statistical difference. Results A total of 79 patients were included, 44 (55.70%) girls and 35 (44.30%) boys. The Demirjian, Goldstein, and Tanner method, in general, overestimated patients’ age by 0.75 years. There was no difference in the delta of dental age between the sexes (p>0.05). Genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with dental age (p>0.05). Conclusion The studied genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with dental age in Brazilian children.

Abstract Introduction: The coronavirus-19 pandemic threatens the lives of all people, but results in higher mortality rates for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) including those on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Telemedicine was the main alternative to reduce exposure to the virus, but it was introduced in the Brazil without proper training. Objective: To investigate the impact of telemedicine on metabolic control, peritonitis rates, and hospitalization in PD patients during the pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study. We included all adult patients on chronic PD from 9 clinics selected by convenience during the pandemic. The outcomes of interest were measured and compared between before and after switching to telemedicine using repeated measure analysis and multilevel Poisson regression. Results: The study included 747 patients with a mean age of 59.7±16.6 years, of whom 53.7% were male and 40.8% had diabetes. Biochemical parameters including hemoglobin, potassium, phosphate, calcium, and urea serum levels did not change significantly after transition to telemedicine. There was no association between telemedicine and peritonitis rates. In contrast, hospitalization rates increased significantly in the telemedicine period. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for hospitalization in the telemedicine period was 1.54 (95%CI 1.10-2.17; p 0.012) and 1.57 (95%CI 1.12-2.21; p 0.009) in the mixed-effects Poisson regression before and after adjustment for the presence of confounders. Admissions for hypervolemia and infections not related to PD doubled after transition to telemedicine. Conclusion: The implementation of telemedicine without proper training may lead to an increase in adverse events in PD patients.

Resumo Introdução: A pandemia do coronavírus-19 ameaça a vida de todas as pessoas, mas resulta em uma alta taxa de mortalidade em pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET), incluindo aqueles em diálise peritoneal (DP). A telemedicina foi a principal alternativa para reduzir a exposição ao vírus, mas foi introduzida no Brasil sem treinamento adequado. Objetivo: Investigar o impacto da telemedicina no controle metabólico, taxas de peritonite e hospitalização em pacientes em DP na pandemia. Métodos: Estudo de coorte multicêntrico retrospectivo. Incluímos todos os pacientes adultos em DP crônica de 9 clínicas selecionadas por conveniência durante a pandemia. Desfechos de interesse foram medidos e comparados entre antes e depois da mudança para telemedicina usando análise de medidas repetidas e regressão multinível de Poisson. Resultados: Incluiu-se 747 pacientes com idade média de 59,7±16,6 anos, sendo 53,7% homens e 40,8% diabéticos. Parâmetros bioquímicos, incluindo níveis séricos de hemoglobina, potássio, fosfato, cálcio e ureia não mudaram significativamente após transição para telemedicina. Não houve associação entre telemedicina e taxas de peritonite. Em contraste, taxas de hospitalização aumentaram significativamente no período de telemedicina. A razão de taxas de incidência (RTI) para internação no período de telemedicina foi 1,54 (IC95% 1,10-2,17; p 0,012) e 1,57 (IC95% 1,12-2,21; p 0,009) na regressão multinível de Poisson antes e após ajuste para presença de fatores de confusão. As internações por hipervolemia e infecções não relacionadas à DP dobraram após transição para telemedicina. Conclusão: A implementação da telemedicina sem treinamento adequado pode levar ao aumento de eventos adversos em pacientes em DP.

Abstract The possibility of using agro-industrial residues in bioconversion processes advances with the development of biotechnology and the search for processes in which is possible to add commercial value to previously discarded products. These processes should be low cost, easy to control and chemical-free. The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) is widely used to produce lipids, enzymes, citric acid, and proteins, among others. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of this yeast to use agro-industrial residues as a source of carbon without adding extra carbohydrate sources for the development of cells. The study evaluated the production of proteins and lipids from different carbon sources as well as the optimization of the process (agitation, temperature, and nitrogen source). Indeed, YL produced 22.3% of protein and 9.4% of lipids in dry biomass, a 179% of protein and 660% of lipid increase from raw material, respectively, when using cassava residues as a carbon source. However, lipase production was low, indicating that the strain had priority for cell growth.

Resumo A possibilidade de utilização de resíduos agroindustriais em processos de bioconversão tem avançado com o desenvolvimento da biotecnologia e a busca por processos nos quais seja possível agregar valor comercial a produtos anteriormente descartados. Esses processos devem ser de baixo custo, fáceis de controlar e livres de produtos químicos. A levedura Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) é amplamente utilizada para a produção de lipídios, enzimas, ácido cítrico, proteínas, entre outros. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade desta levedura em utilizar resíduos agroindustriais como fonte de carbono sem adição de fontes extras de carboidratos para o desenvolvimento das células. O estudo avaliou a produção de proteínas e lipídios a partir de diferentes fontes de carbono, bem como a otimização do processo (agitação, temperatura e fonte de nitrogênio). A YL produziu 22,3% de proteína e 9,4% de lipídios a partir da biomassa seca, um aumento de 179% de proteína e 660% de lipídio da matéria-prima, respectivamente, ao utilizar resíduos de mandioca como fonte de carbono. No entanto, a produção de lipase foi baixa, indicando que a cepa tem prioridade para o crescimento celular.

Abstract Objectives: To characterize cases of suspected congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) investigated in a laboratory in southern Brazil using the transferrin isoelectric focusing TfIEF test from 2008 to 2017. Method: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study. The laboratory records of 1,546 individuals (median age = 36 months, 25–75 IQR = 10–108; males = 810) submitted to the TfIEF test during the period were reviewed. Results: Fifty-one individuals (3%) had an altered TfIEF pattern (5 ± 2.8 cases/year; median age = 24 months, 25–75 IQR = 11–57 months; males = 27, 53%). For 14 of them, data on diagnosis conclusion were available (classic galactosemia = 4; hereditary fructose intolerance = 4; peroxisomal diseases = 2; PMM2-CDG = 2; MPDU1-CDG = 1; SLC35A2-CDG = 1).Comparing the cases with the normal and altered TfIEF patterns, there was a higher prevalence of altered cases in the age group from 11 months to 3 years. There was an increase in the likelihood of change in TfIEF, especially in the presence of inverted nipples or liver disease. Conclusions: The data suggest that the investigation of a case with suspected CDG is a complex problem, being aggravated by the existence of other IEMs (inborn errors of metabolism) associated with altered TfIEF pattern and lack of access to confirmatory tests. The presence of inverted nipples and liver disease, especially in individuals aged 11 months to 3 years, should suggest the need for TfIEF investigation.

Resumo Objetivos: Caracterizar os casos com suspeita de CDG investigados em laboratório do sul do Brasil pelo exame de IEFTF de 2008 a 2017. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo. Foram revisadas as fichas laboratoriais de 1.546 indivíduos (mediana de idade = 36 meses, IQ 25-75 = 10-108; sexo masculino = 810) que fizeram o exame de IEFTF no período. Resultados: Cinquenta e um indivíduos (3%) apresentaram padrão alterado na IEFTF (5 ± 2,8 casos/ano; mediana de idade = 24 meses, IQ 25-75 = 11-57 meses; sexo masculino = 27, 53%). Para 14 deles, estavam disponíveis dados sobre a conclusão do diagnóstico (galactosemia clássica = 4; intolerância hereditária à frutose = 4; doenças peroxissomais = 2; PMM2-CDG = 2; MPDU1-CDG = 1; SLC35A2-CDG = 1). Comparando os casos com padrão normal e alterado na IEFTF, houve maior prevalência de casos alterados na faixa etária de 11 meses a 3 anos. Verificou-se um aumento na probabilidade de alteração na IEFTF principalmente na presença de mamilos invertidos ou de hepatopatia. Conclusões: Os nossos dados sugerem que a investigação de um caso com suspeita de CDG é complexa, é agravada pela existência de outros EIM associados a padrão alterado na IEFTF e pela falta de acesso a exames confirmatórios. A presença principalmente de mamilos invertidos e de hepatopatia em indivíduos na faixa etária de 11 meses a 3 anos deve sugerir a necessidade de investigação por IEFTF.

Abstract The intrauterine environment is infl uenced by several factors, genetic or environmental, which are essential in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of some diseases. In this study, the aim was to investigate the impact of prenatal lipopolysaccharide exposure on the development of rats. Fifty pregnant rats received intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (100 µg/kg), or saline at the same dose, on the 9.5th day of pregnancy. The offspring of these rats were analyzed for indicators of brain and somatic development and maturation of physical characteristics. Refl ex ontogenesis was also analyzed by vibrissae placement, negative geotaxis, palmar grasp, precipice aversion, decubitus recovery and acceleration reaction. Administration of lipopolysaccharide on the 9.5th gestational day caused delayed opening of the auditory pavilion, reduction in the length of the tail, body, cranial axes, and body weight. Thus, maternal infections can interfere in the intrauterine environment, impairing functional and structural aspects of the central nervous system, as well as the maturation of physical characteristics.

Abstract Solidago microglossa is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Brazilian medicine, and this work evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the crude ethanolic extract of the flowers of S. microglossa in vivo, as assayed by paw edema models induced by carrageenan, prostaglandin E2, bradykinin and compound 48/80. In the chemical profile, we identified compounds by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and quantified them by HPLC-DAD. Additionally, this study analyzed the potential to activate the in vitro transcriptional activity of PPARγ, which is a nuclear receptor linked to the anti-inflammatory response. It was possible to identify five compounds: quinic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and rutin. In the paw edema evaluation, it was possible to show the potential of reducing edema during the inflammatory process. The crude ethanolic extract of the flowers of S. microglossa activated PPARγ compared to the full agonist rosiglitazone and in a dose-response manner. It is possible to conclude that the extract of the flowers of S. microglossa showed anti-inflammatory activity, and the phenolic compounds present in this species might be responsible for this activity.

Lesões no miocárdio, causadas por baixa perfusão e oxigenação cardíaca, podem ser ocasionadas por fármacos anestésicos, como a cetamina. Essas lesões podem ser identificadas por meio de biomarcadores específicos e, dentre estes, destaca-se a troponina I. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações cardiovasculares com base nos valores de troponina I (TnI), eletrocardiograma (ECG) e ecocardiograma em gatos sedados com cetamina e midazolam, suplementados ou não com oxigênio. Utilizaram-se 12 gatos machos, hígidos, nos quais se avaliaram os valores de troponina I, eletro e ecocardiografia, frequência cardíaca (FC) e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) no momento basal (M0). Na sequência, os animais foram sedados com a associação de 10mg.kg-1 de cetamina e 0,5mg.kg-1 de midazolam pela via intramuscular. Decorridos aproximadamente 10 minutos, os animais foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: com e sem suplementação de oxigênio via máscara facial (GCO e GSO, respectivamente), sendo submetidos novamente aos exames citados. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas, para dosagem de TnI em seis, 12 e 24 horas após a administração dos agentes anestésicos. Não foram observadas alterações significativas na FC, na PAS e no ECG após a administração dos tratamentos em ambos os grupos. Os valores médios de TnI elevaram-se significativamente em T6 quando comparados ao basal em ambos os grupos, com médias de 0,507±0,335ng/mL no GSO e 0,777±0,505ng/mL no GCO. Na ecocardiografia, o débito cardíaco (DC) reduziu em M1 em ambos os grupos, quando comparados aos valores basais, sendo M0 0,472±0,115 e M1 0,234±0,08 no GSO e M0 0,356±0,095 e M1 0,222±0,09 no GCO, expressos em L/min. Conclui-se que a administração de cetamina e midazolam em gatos hígidos não promove alterações eletrocardiográficas, aumenta os valores de troponina I, com pico de seis horas após a administração, reduz o débito cardíaco, e que a suplementação de oxigênio 100% via máscara facial não atenua tais alterações.

ABSTRACT Myocardium injuries caused by low myocardial oxygenation and perfusion might be induced by anesthetics agents like ketamine. These injuries can be detected by specific biomarkers and, among them, troponin I. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular changes based on troponin I (TnI) values, electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography in cats sedated with ketamine and midazolam, supplemented or not with oxygen. Blood samples were collected from 12 intact male healthy cats for troponin I (T0) and they were then submitted to electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation, as well as measurements of heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (M0). Subsequently, they were ketamine-midazolam (10mg.kg-1 and 0,5 mg.kg-1 respectively) anesthetized by intramuscular route. After about 10 minutes, the animals were randomly allocated into two groups with or without oxygen supplementation (GCO or GSO, respectively), again being subjected to the tests mentioned. Blood samples for troponin I were collected at 6, 12 and 24 hours after sedation. HR, SBP and ECG did not change among groups. The TnI values rise significantly in T6 comparing to baselines in both groups (0,507±0,335 ng/mL in GSO and 0,777±0,505 ng/mL in GCO). In echocardiography, the cardiac output decreased at M1, in both groups compared to baseline (M0 0,472±0,115 and M1 0,234±0,08 in GSO and M0 0,356±0,095 and 0,222±0,09 in GCO, L/min). We concluded that ketamine and midazolam sedation in healthy cats did not cause changes electrocardiography, increase troponin I values, with an 6 hours peak after administration, reduces cardiac output and oxygen supplementation, via facial mask, did not attenuated these alterations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da biópsia percutânea por agulha grossa (BPAG) de tumores de partes moles guiada por tomografia computadorizada (TC), em relação ao sucesso na obtenção de amostra para análise, e comparar o diagnóstico da BPAG com o resultado anatomopatológico da peça cirúrgica, quando disponível. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram revisados os prontuários e laudos diagnósticos de 262 pacientes com tumores de partes moles submetidos a BPAG guiada por TC em um centro de referência oncológico entre 2003 e 2009. RESULTADOS: Das 262 biópsias realizadas, foi possível a obtenção de amostra adequada em 215 (82,1%). Os tumores mais prevalentes foram os sarcomas (38,6%), carcinomas metastáticos (28,8%), tumores mesenquimais benignos (20,5%) e linfomas (9,3%). Foi possível realizar graduação histológica em 92,8% dos pacientes com sarcoma, sendo a maioria (77,9%) classificada como alto grau. Do total de pacientes, 116 (44,3%) realizaram cirurgia para exérese e confirmação diagnóstica. A BPAG mostrou acurácia de 94,6% na identificação de sarcomas, com sensibilidade de 96,4% e especificidade de 89,5%. A graduação histológica teve concordância significativa entre a BPAG e a peça cirúrgica (p < 0,001; kappa = 0,75). CONCLUSÃO: A BPAG guiada por TC demonstrou elevada acurácia diagnóstica na avaliação de tumores de partes moles e na graduação histológica dos sarcomas, permitindo um adequado planejamento terapêutico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy of soft-tissue tumors in obtaining appropriate samples for histological analysis, and compare its diagnosis with the results of the surgical pathology as available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed medical records, imaging and histological reports of 262 patients with soft-tissue tumors submitted to CT-guided core needle biopsy in an oncologic reference center between 2003 and 2009. RESULTS: Appropriate samples were obtained in 215 (82.1%) out of the 262 patients. The most prevalent tumors were sarcomas (38.6%), metastatic carcinomas (28.8%), benign mesenchymal tumors (20.5%) and lymphomas (9.3%). Histological grading was feasible in 92.8% of sarcoma patients, with the majority of them (77.9%) being classified as high grade tumors. Out of the total sample, 116 patients (44.3%) underwent surgical excision and diagnosis confirmation. Core biopsy demonstrated 94.6% accuracy in the identification of sarcomas, with 96.4% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity. A significant intermethod agreement about histological grading was observed between core biopsy and surgical resection (p < 0.001; kappa = 0.75). CONCLUSION: CT-guided core needle biopsy demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of soft tissue tumors as well as in the histological grading of sarcomas, allowing an appropriate therapeutic planning.

Encontrar aplicações sustentáveis para o resíduo de bauxita tem se mostrado um dos principais desafios da indústria do alumínio na atualidade. Com esse propósito, a geopolimerização pode se tornar uma solução interessante, uma vez que essa técnica seria capaz de tirar proveito de algumas das características mais típicas desse resíduo, como sua elevada alcalinidade e o seu significativo teor de compostos de silício e alumínio, produzindo materiais sólidos semelhantes em propriedades às cerâmicas tradicionais. Neste trabalho, o processamento, as propriedades e as possíveis aplicações dos geopolímeros compostos por resíduo de bauxita foram analisados. Além dos ensaios de porosidade aparente e resistência mecânica, as amostras preparadas também foram submetidas a um ensaio de lixiviação, de modo a já realizar uma avaliação prévia dos potenciais riscos ambientais decorrentes da utilização de um possível produto, e de quais procedimentos favoreceriam a sua passivação. Entre os principais resultados obtidos, verificou-se que a queima a 800 °C permitiu a algumas das composições desenvolvidas alcançarem valores de resistência à compressão da ordem de até 30 MPa, além de uma resistência à lixiviação muito próxima à de um tijolo de argila prensado comum, o que já permite considerar a construção civil como um dos setores mais favoráveis para a aplicação dos geopolímeros com resíduo de bauxita, principalmente pela enorme capacidade de consumo desse setor e da sua crescente demanda por produtos mais sustentáveis.

Finding sustainable applications for the bauxite residue is one of the leading challenges in the aluminium industry. For this purpose, the geopolymerization could become an interesting alternative, because this technique could make use of some of the typical characteristics of the bauxite residue, such as its alkalinity and expressive silicates and aluminates contents, resulting in solid materials with similar properties to usual traditional ceramics. In this work, the properties, processing and possible applications of such materials were analyzed. Besides the apparent porosity and the mechanical resistance tests, the obtained samples were also submitted to a leaching test, aiming to a preliminary evaluation of the potential environmental risks of application that a supposed product would represent, and which procedures could favour its passivation. As the main results, it was possible to verify that firing at 800 °C allowed some compositions to reach compression resistance values up to 30 MPa, and a leaching resistance closer to a common pressed clay brick, which makes the building materials a potential area of application for the bauxite residue geopolymers, based on the enormous consumption capacity of this area and its increasing demand for more sustainable products.